Help Shape Accessible Stop Smoking Support in Sunderland

The Sunderland Specialist Stop Smoking Service, delivered by ABL Health, is launching an exciting new project to develop smoking cessation resources that are truly accessible and meaningful for people with sensory impairments.

Starting from a blank page and involving people with lived experience, we aim to design resources that genuinely reflect your needs, preferences, and experiences.
In Sunderland, around 27,727 adults smoke. Based on local estimates, around 600 smokers may also be living with a hearing impairment, and around 800 with sight loss. This highlights how important it is to make sure our stop smoking support reaches everyone in an inclusive and accessible way.

We already offer a free 12-week support programme, including Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) and vapes to help people quit. This project will focus on creating new materials and approaches with you, not for you.

Join our Co-Production Group
We’re inviting people who smoke and have a sensory impairment (Deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or visually impaired) to join a friendly co-production group at the end of November (date and venue are yet to be confirmed).
The session will:
• Last no longer than 90 minutes
• Include refreshments
• Be held in an accessible, welcoming, and non-judgemental environment
• Have a BSL interpreter present
• Use minimum font size 16 on any materials provided, (with any additional accessibility needs fully supported)
• Offer travel cost reimbursement (up to £20)

To recognise the time, expertise, and lived experience shared by participants, we have a budget to provide a £50 “thank you for your time” voucher to up to 20 people taking part in the co-production sessions. This is a token of appreciation for your valued contribution to shaping this important work.
Your input will help create resources that make a real difference — not just for you, but for others across Sunderland who want to quit smoking with the right support in place.

If you’d like to get involved, or to find out more, please contact:
📧 Sarah Lever at slever@ablhealth.co.uk
Sunderland website: https://sunderlandstopsmokingservice.co.uk/
County Durham website: https://www.smokefreecountydurham.co.uk/

Together, we can make sure everyone has the opportunity to live healthier, happier for longer — with support that’s accessible, inclusive, and designed by the people who use it.